HOMETOWN ENTERTAINMENT: JStop Latin Soul to bring its salsa beats to the Jefferson Center

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Your feet can’t help but move, when you hear the salsa beats of Jstop Latin Soul.

“Although I grew up in New Jersey and New York and Chicago, I feel like my soul is firmly planted in Latin music, and I just love it so much,” says band founder and trombonist Joel Stopka.

JStop comes from Joel Stopka’s name..

The Roanoke-based Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble came together back in 2018.

Cuban native and Latin percussionist Vladimir Espinosa plays a vital role in the band’s authentic sound.

“This is the real deal. This is what I was dreaming for many years here in Roanoke, so this is a good opportunity, too,” says Espinosa.

Both band members say it’s nearly impossible to just sit at their shows.

So, before they take the stage at the Jefferson Center September 21, audience members will be treated to a dance lesson.

“Be ready to dance. Be ready to move,” says Espinosa.

It’s clear that Stopka and his band mates love sharing their passion for salsa music, and are proud to be part of Roanoke’s vibrant music community.

“Everybody can have a Latin soul. Everybody can make this music their own. You can’t be sad when you’re listening to this music. You cannot be sad,” says Stopka.

JStop Latin Soul will perform at the Jefferson Center on Saturday, September 21 at 8 pm.

Click here for ticket information.

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